Robert "Bob" Eilers

Mercedes - Robert (Bob) Lee Eilers entered eternal rest on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at Valley View Assisted Living in Harlingen, TX. He was born on May 24, 1927 to Frank Adam Eilers and Mary (Mayme Bachman) Eilers in Clarksville, TX. Bobby spent his childhood on their family farm along with three siblings.

He enlisted in the army following his older brothers, Frank and Fred, on Oct. 10, 1945. After basic training, he was assigned to the 1880t Medical Detachment training to care for wounded soldiers. He was sent to California and preparing to go to the Pacific theater when WWII ended.

After being honorably discharged from the Army he fell in love with a picture of his future wife, Loretta Vogel, that his sister, Gladys, who was living in Mercedes sent him. He made several trips by Greyhound Bus to Mercedes and then moved there in 1947, working for Heggen Electric, the Hank Metzger Machine Shop and then Borderland Hardware of Mercedes. Bob married Loretta on Oct. 15, 1950 and they were blessed with 71+ years.

Bob worked his way up at Borderland in Mercedes to become manager and then he and Loretta purchased the business in 1969 from Mrs. Grace Johnson.

With Loretta working at his side in the store, they also built a strong, united family and instilled in them the importance of faith in God, a good education and the value of hard work.

Bob was very active in the Mercedes Chamber of Commerce, serving numerous years as president and chairing Anniversary Committees. After being elected to the Board of Directors of the RGV Livestock Show in 1966, he was chairman of the Exhibit Hall for over 40 years, remaining active on the board until his passing. Bob served as a director on the Handy Hardware Wholesale, Inc. board of directors in Houston, TX from 1982-2000.

Service to his church, Immanuel Lutheran, was most important and he devoted 70+ years serving in every officer position - elder, trustee, financial secretary, along with being active in Lutheran Laymen's League. He was honored by receiving with the Estwing Golden Hammer Award recognizing 50 years of service to the hardware industry, and the Melvin Jones Fellow award from the Mercedes Lion's Club.

We can't say that Bob ever retired, but he turned management of Borderland over to his son, Kenneth. He was overjoyed and proud to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Borderland Hardware of Mercedes in 2019. Bob mentioned more than once how he spent many enjoyable years working with young people in the store and serving generations of customers across the RGV.

A man of great moral character, strong faith, and Christian values were traits throughout his life. Bob's favorite pastimes were fishing at Arroyo City, gardening, traveling in his motorhome with Loretta, and going on tours with friends across the US. Watching the Astros and Cowboys was at the top of the list too. But at the very top was the thrill of watching his children, grandchildren, and now great- grandchildren continue to carry on the virtues he lived.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Eilers, his brothers, Frank Eilers, Fred Eilers and sister, Gladys Bandemer. He is survived by his loving wife, Loretta, children, Kenneth (Debbie) Eilers of Mercedes and Connie Gatlin of Dallas, grandchildren, Terese (Mike) Volkmann, Kyle (Candice) Eilers, Greg (Ashley) Gatlin and Doug Gatlin, great grandchildren, Claire and Samuel Volkmann, Camden, Kade, and Peyton Rose Eilers, and Ember Gatlin.

Visitation will be held Sunday, May 15, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM at the Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Mercedes, TX. Funeral service will be held Monday, May 16, 2022 at 10:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mercedes, TX, with Pastor Ed Weber officiating. Graveside service will follow at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Mercedes, Texas.

Pallbearers are Kyle Eilers, Greg Gatlin, Doug Gatlin, Mike Volkmann, Don Vogel and Earl Neuhaus. Honorary Pallbearers are present employees of Borderland Hardware of Mercedes.

Memorials to the following would be most welcome: Immanuel Lutheran Church and School, 703 W. 3rd Street, Mercedes, TX 78570 - or to the Robert and Loretta Eilers Endowment Scholarship Fund of Concordia University, 11400 Concordia University Drive, Austin, TX 78726.

Funeral services are under the direction and care of Rudy Garza Funeral Home of Mercedes Texas.